Curriculum Overview

(Prek-8th Grade)

Rather than relying primarily on textbooks, worksheets, and memorization, a Charlotte Mason education invites students to learn through living books, nature study, the arts, narration, habit formation, and meaningful relationships. These distinctive practices help cultivate curiosity, attentiveness, and a lifelong love of learning.

Living Books

Living books are at the heart of a Charlotte Mason education. These are books written by passionate authors who bring subjects to life through engaging language, compelling stories, and rich ideas. Students encounter living books across every subject area—from history and science to literature and biography—helping them develop both knowledge and imagination.

Narration

Narration is one of the most distinctive practices of a Charlotte Mason classroom. Rather than answering a list of comprehension questions, students are regularly asked to tell back what they have heard, read, or observed. This simple but powerful practice strengthens memory, attention, communication skills, and critical thinking.

Nature Study

Charlotte Mason believed that children should have regular opportunities to engage with the natural world. At SCCS, students participate in nature walks, outdoor observation, nature journaling, and seasonal study throughout the year.

Through these experiences, students learn to notice details, ask questions, and develop an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of God’s creation. Nature study also serves as a foundation for scientific observation and environmental stewardship.

Picture Study & Composer Study

Students are regularly introduced to great works of art and music through picture study and composer study.

By carefully observing the work of notable artists and listening to the music of influential composers, students develop habits of attention, appreciation for beauty, and cultural literacy. These studies encourage students to engage thoughtfully with the arts and cultivate a lifelong enjoyment of artistic expression.

Handwork

Handwork provides students with opportunities to create meaningful projects using their hands. Activities may include sewing, knitting, sculpting, paper making, quilting, nature crafts, and other artistic pursuits.

Beyond developing fine motor skills, handwork teaches patience, perseverance, craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of completing meaningful work.

Habit Formation

Charlotte Mason viewed education as more than academics—it is also the formation of character. Students are encouraged to develop habits such as attentiveness, responsibility, kindness, diligence, and self-control. These habits provide a strong foundation for both learning and life.

Preschool (PreK-3)

A Joyful Beginning to Learning

At South City Community School, our Preschool 3 program is designed to nurture curiosity, wonder, and a love of learning. Inspired by the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, we believe young children learn best through meaningful relationships, rich experiences, beautiful ideas, and time spent exploring the world around them.

Our classrooms provide a warm, home-like environment where children are encouraged to discover, create, ask questions, and grow.

Faith at the Center

Faith is woven naturally throughout the preschool day. Through Bible stories, prayer, worship, and conversations about God’s creation, students begin to understand His love and their place in His story.

Our goal is to help children experience the joy of learning while developing a strong foundation of faith.

Charlotte Mason Distinctives

A Charlotte Mason education invites children to engage with the world through wonder and discovery. Preschool students regularly participate in:

• Nature study and outdoor exploration
• Rich literature and storytelling
• Art and music appreciation
• Poetry and recitation
• Hands-on activities that develop focus and fine motor skills

These experiences help children build habits of attention, curiosity, and delight in learning.

Curriculum Highlights

Learning in Preschool 3 is integrated and hands-on, with experiences that introduce students to:

• Early literacy and language development
• Number recognition and foundational math concepts
• Handwriting readiness
• Nature and science exploration
• Social studies centered on family, home, and community
• Spanish language exposure
• Art, music, and creative expression

Building a Foundation for the Future

Preschool is about much more than preparing for kindergarten. It is a season of building relationships, developing strong habits, and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Elementary School (Kindergarten–5th Grade)

A Feast of Ideas

At South City Community School, elementary students are invited into a rich and engaging educational experience rooted in the philosophy of Charlotte Mason. We believe children learn best through meaningful ideas, great books, hands-on discovery, and strong relationships with teachers who know and care for them.

Our classrooms cultivate curiosity, wonder, and a love of learning while providing students with a strong academic foundation that prepares them for future success.

Faith at the Center

Faith is woven throughout every subject and every school day. Students engage with Scripture, Bible study, prayer, worship, and meaningful conversations that help them understand God’s truth and their role in His world.

As students grow, they move from hearing Bible stories to engaging more deeply with Scripture and developing a personal understanding of faith.

Language Arts

Language Arts at SCCS goes far beyond learning to read and write. Students encounter rich literature, develop strong communication skills, and learn to think deeply about what they read.

Our program includes:

• Phonics and reading instruction
• Handwriting and cursive
• Grammar and language mechanics
• Writing instruction through Writer’s Workshop
• Literature discussions and narration
• Poetry memorization and recitation
• Shakespeare studies in upper elementary grades

Students read a wide variety of classic and contemporary literature, building both strong literacy skills and a lifelong appreciation for great books.

Mathematics

Our math program emphasizes deep understanding rather than rote memorization. Students develop strong number sense, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning and thoughtful instruction.

Elementary students progress through:

• Number sense and operations
• Geometry and measurement
• Fractions and mathematical reasoning
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Real-world applications of mathematics

Using programs such as RightStart Mathematics and Singapore Math, students learn to understand the “why” behind mathematical concepts and build confidence in their abilities.

Science & Nature Study

Science at SCCS begins with wonder.

Students regularly engage in nature study, scientific observation, experimentation, and exploration of the natural world. Topics grow in complexity as students progress through the grades and include:

• Weather and climate
• Plants and animals
• Habitats and ecosystems
• Human body and physical science
• Electricity and magnetism
• Earth and space science
• Environmental stewardship and creation care

Students learn through direct observation, outdoor exploration, nature journals, and hands-on investigations that help them see the beauty and order of God’s creation.

History & Social Studies

History is taught through stories, biographies, geography, and primary sources that help students understand both people and events within a broader context.

Students explore:

• Local and Missouri history
• American history and government
• Ancient civilizations
• World cultures and geography
• Historical figures who shaped the world

Rather than memorizing isolated facts, students develop a sense of connection to people, places, and events throughout history.

Art, Music & Cultural Studies

A Charlotte Mason education introduces students to beauty through the study of great artists, composers, poets, and authors.

Throughout the elementary years, students participate in:

• Picture study
• Composer study
• Poetry recitation
• Handwork and artistic expression
• Music appreciation
• Creative projects connected to classroom learning

These experiences help cultivate attentiveness, creativity, and an appreciation for the richness of God’s world.

Spanish

Students are introduced to Spanish throughout the elementary years, building vocabulary and cultural awareness through engaging lessons and conversation.

Building Lifelong Learners

At SCCS, elementary education is about more than mastering academic skills. It is about developing strong habits, nurturing curiosity, building character, and cultivating a lifelong love of learning.

Through rich academics, meaningful relationships, faith formation, and the distinctive practices of a Charlotte Mason education, students are equipped not only for their next academic endeavor—but for a life of thoughtful learning and faithful living.

Middle School (6th–8th Grade)

Preparing Students for What Comes Next

The middle school years are a time of tremendous growth. Students begin asking deeper questions, developing greater independence, and learning to think critically about the world around them. At South City Community School, our middle school program is designed to challenge students academically while continuing to nurture their faith, character, and love of learning.

Rooted in the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, our approach emphasizes rich ideas, meaningful discussions, great literature, and strong relationships. Students are invited to engage deeply with their studies while developing the habits and skills needed for high school and beyond.

Faith at the Center

Faith remains the foundation of every aspect of learning at SCCS. Through Bible study, theology courses, prayer, and classroom discussion, students are encouraged to understand Scripture, wrestle thoughtfully with questions of faith, and develop a biblical worldview.

As students mature, they learn not only what they believe, but why they believe it.

Language Arts & Literature

Middle school students engage with challenging literature that expands their understanding of history, culture, human nature, and faith.

Language Arts instruction includes:

• Literary analysis and discussion
• Essay writing and composition
• Grammar and mechanics
• Current events and research
• Shakespeare studies
• Narration and discussion-based learning
• Poetry study and recitation

Students encounter classic works of literature from a variety of authors and time periods, learning to read thoughtfully and communicate clearly.

Mathematics

Our math program emphasizes deep understanding, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

Using Singapore Math, students develop:

• Algebraic thinking
• Mathematical reasoning
• Geometry and measurement
• Advanced problem-solving skills
• Real-world applications of mathematics

Students are encouraged to think critically, explain their reasoning, and build confidence in tackling complex concepts.

Science

Science at SCCS is rooted in observation, inquiry, and discovery. Students study the beauty and complexity of God’s creation through both scientific investigation and hands-on learning.

Middle school topics include:

• Habitats and ecosystems
• Human anatomy and physiology
• Cell biology
• Chemistry
• Physics and simple machines
• Earth science
• Environmental systems

Students also study influential scientists and scientific discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the natural world.

History & Social Studies

History comes alive through biographies, primary sources, literature, geography, and discussion.

Students explore:

• The Middle Ages and Renaissance
• The Protestant Reformation
• American history and government
• Westward Expansion
• The Civil War and Reconstruction
• World Wars I and II
• Vietnam and modern history
• South America and world geography
• The U.S. Constitution and government

Rather than simply memorizing dates and facts, students learn to understand how historical events, ideas, and people continue to influence the world today.

Art, Music & Cultural Studies

Middle school students continue the Charlotte Mason practices of picture study, composer study, poetry, and handwork.

Throughout the years, students engage with:

• Great artists and artistic movements
• Classical composers and music appreciation
• Poetry analysis and recitation
• Creative handwork projects
• Artistic expression connected to classroom learning

These studies help students develop attentiveness, creativity, and an appreciation for beauty and culture.

Spanish

Students continue building Spanish vocabulary, conversational skills, and cultural understanding through regular language instruction.

Building Thoughtful, Faithful Learners

The middle school years at SCCS are about more than academic preparation. They are a time for students to deepen their faith, strengthen their character, develop intellectual curiosity, and learn to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.